What’s going on, everybody? Hey, I’ve been cruising along still gigging when I can and still going through the motions but it looks like it has paid off at least a little. My band was recently featured on WRAL Out and About as THE R&B band you should hear in the Raleigh, NC area! I didn’t know why there was a huge spike in my website traffic until I clicked the source. If you want to read the article, click the pic. There are bands of different genres mentioned in the article as well. You may want to check out some of those if you’re in the area.
We’ve been playing a lot recently in Raleigh, NC with monthly gigs at the Tin Roof and London Bridge Pub. Those have been fun but I’m going to have to stop doing them. Inflation is a bear and they don’t really pay enough for it to be worth going anymore. I’ll let the younger, hungrier bands have those gigs. I no longer look for exposure so I’ll be alright.
BUT, since I’ve gotten a little shine recently, I’m going to pass along the light! I want to highlight some of the bands in North Carolina that I really like. First, let’s start out with jAndr (pronounced “yonder”). They are a young band in the area that describes themselves as psychedelic, Hip Hot and R&B. I happen to be a little biased because this band and I share a couple of musicians! We share a keyboard player, Santel Reid. We also share a drummer, Anthony Ward, aka Eclectic Animal. He really has a lot going on with sponsorships and interviews and all kinds of other good stuff but we would be here all day if I go into that. Just go follow his Instagram. @ianimal_23
Back to the subject, which is My Favorite Bands in North Carolina, jAndr in particular… The musicians are super talented and they just have a really cool vibe that makes you want to be a part if it! Don’t believe me, check out their cover of Zombie by the Cranberries!
Next up in the list of my favorite bands in North Carolina, SUMTHIN 4 THA PEOPLE out of Durham, NC. Now, this one is something serious. See, I grew up in the 90’s when boy bands were a thing and the R&B music was smooth and sexy. These guys bring ALL of that back for me! If you love groups like Jodeci, Jagged Edge, Silk, Boyz II Men, New Edition, etc., you will LOVE this band! Check out their cover of Can You Stand the Rain by New Edition!
They also like to bring a little church quartet flavor to their gigs. Now, that usually is not my kind of thing but somehow, they make me like it… Yeah, you and I both know why but (in my Little Richard voice) SHUT UP! 😜
Last, but certainly not least of my favorite bands in North Carolina is CRUCIAL FIYA! This is a Reggae band and I’ve always been a huge fan of the genre. These guys keep it pretty traditional with a lot of Bob Marley and roots reggae type stuff. They do mix in a bit of R&B and Rock but they give it a Caribbean flavor. I follow these guys as much as I can but when you are also a musician, catching other acts is hard because you are likely performing the same dates they are. These guys never disappoint and by taking my son to see them, he’s become a fan too! Watch them perform an original “Music High” below.
Of course, it goes without saying that my band is my absolute favorite! Depending on which side of the fence we’re on, we could be Miss Mini and the Sandman Band for beach gigs or just Miss Mini for Southern Soul but either way, we still kick ass!! Check out our videos on my website and you’ll see what I mean. I’m not going to post one here because again, I want the other bands to shine a bit!
I never know who might come across my blog so if this is your introduction to me, WELCOME! You can read a little more about me, Miss Mini, HERE. I hope you will subscribe so that you can keep reading my posts. AND if you need a great band for your event, give me a holler at missminimusic@gmail.com! Also, you can follow me on Instagram @officialmissmini Find me on Facebook and YouTube Bye for now and keep listening!
Miss Mini 